Just in time for summer: a new Sunscreen Database’s launched by the Environmental Working Group. This database gives you safety and effectiveness ratings for 700+ sunscreens, evaluated for UVA and UVB protection, safety of ingredients, and product stability.

Our sunscreens in the US aren’t as good as the stuff in Europe, because the FDA, while failing to doesn’t effectively regulate sunscreens on the shelf, also hasn’t approved new chemical sunscreens since 1978 — Europe has at least 12 more approved sun-blocking ingredients, many considered safer and more effective. “What we found was actually pretty bad news – only 16% of the products studied were rated both safe & effective,” says Amanda at EWG.

But the glass 16% full side of me says that now I can use the database to figure out which sunscreens are best.

My current sunscreen’s Alba Hawaiian Sunscreen, Green Tea (SPF 30) — which as a rating of 3: moderate hazard. I’m almost out, so am off to Co-opportunity to see if I can find a better one like California Baby and also to buy wine –

EWG’s Skin Deep also gives you safety info for cosmetics, shampoos, and other personal care products –

Update: Amanda wrote to say she goofed — The FDA HAS approved some new sunscreen chemicals since 1978, though it hasn’t enacted legislation on sunscreens since then.

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